Agenda 06-16-2026; 11-a - Orange County Planning Board – Appointments Discussion

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20 Page 4 of 5 Cassie Rice balancing operational realities with mission commitments. Earlier in my career, I served on the staff of Congressman David Price, where I gained exposure to federal housing policy, public funding mechanisms, and the relationship between local implementation and federal standards. I also have direct lived experience navigating county, state, and federal systems as the spouse of a veteran receiving public services. That experience has given me insight into how critical clarity, accountability, and responsiveness are when families rely on public systems for stability. I hold two master's degrees and have spent more than fifteen years in roles requiring analytical rigor, disciplined governance, and long-term thinking. These skills are directly relevant to housing oversight and policy implementation. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Stable housing is foundational to individual and family well-being. It influences educational outcomes, employment stability, health, and long-term financial security. I am interested in serving on the Housing Authority Board because I believe strong housing policy creates the conditions for people to build stable, productive lives. My motivation is rooted in both professional and personal experience. Professionally, I work in environments where institutional decisions have long-term community impact. Personally, I have navigated public systems that provide critical services to families. I understand how destabilizing uncertainty in those systems can be, and I value institutions that operate with clarity and accountability. Housing authorities carry significant responsibility: stewarding public resources, maintaining physical assets, complying with regulatory requirements, and serving residents with dignity. I am drawn to governance roles that require balancing fiscal responsibility with human impact. I believe disciplined oversight and thoughtful policy can expand opportunity while maintaining sustainability. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute steady governance, financial literacy, and a long-term perspective to the Board's work. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I would contribute a governance-and systems-oriented perspective informed by experience across federal public service, nonprofit executive leadership, small business ownership, and community governance. That cross-sector background provides insight into how housing decisions affect families, institutions, and local economies differently. I also bring lived experience navigating public systems as the spouse of a veteran receiving county, state, and federal services. That experience has shaped my understanding of how policy implementation affects families in practical, daily ways. It has reinforced the importance of transparency, procedural fairness, and responsiveness. In addition, I approach complex issues with an analytical and long-term lens. Diversity of viewpoint includes diversity of professional background and decision-making style. My contribution would be grounded in financial discipline, respect for regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to ensuring housing systems are both sustainable and accessible. As a parent and small business owner in Orange County, I also bring a perspective rooted in daily community life and economic reality. I believe those vantage points can help the Board consider both institutional durability and resident impact in its decisions. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Orange County Schools Safety Task Force Application Date: 11/16/2022 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Growing up a public policy and administration nerd, the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for Rep. David Price in my early career offered me a viewpoint and real life examples on how to effectively make change at the legislative level. I understand the